The Czech Republic and Scotland go head to head in Group D action at Euro 2020 on Monday 14 June.
The Scottish are known for their tough style and will definitely “bring it” in every match. Playing in the most populated Scottish city, Glasgow, the energy behind the home team should add the X-factor the Tartan Army are going to need.
The Czech Republic have proved their ambitions in the European Championships with a silver medal in 1996, followed by a bronze in 2004, but have been relatively quiet in recent years following the retirements of big names like Petr Cech, Paval Nedved, Tomas Rosicky, and Marek Jankulovski who carried them in the past. An interesting affair to say the least will be on display.
Euro 2020: Group D
Monday 14 June
Hampden Park
15:00
To Win Match
Scotland 16/10
Draw 39/20
Czech Republic 39/20
Scotland
After failing against the bigger teams in their qualification process, Scotland’s never-say-die attitude was on full display in the play-offs against Israel and Serbia when they won both matches on penalties.
Expect much of the good the side produces to come from the left of the pitch. Steve Clarke has opted for a back three and a stacked five-man midfield. Arsenal’s Kieran Tierney has been getting used to a left centre-back role under Steve, with captain Andrew Robertson in a left wing-back position. Aston Villa’s John McGinn sets up camp in the left of midfield and Newcastle United’s Ryan Fraser lines up on the left wing. Not much else is going for the Scots other than Che Adams up front.
Interestingly, the Scots come into this game as favourites. A good start to the tournament could see them kick on as one of the dark horses in this competition. They have the ideal opportunity to do just that against a weak Czech side.
Czech Republic
The Czech Republic’s warm-up match against red-hot Italy was far from ideal preparation as they 4-0 in Bologna, Italy. Czech head coach Jaroslav Silhavy should be concerned over two straight defeats (match to be played on Tuesday 8th against Albania) going into the tournament. The Czechs went into the 2016 tournament in a similar fashion and were unbale to win and were subsequently knocked out in the group stages.
In terms of their line-up, the Czechs are not spoilt for choice. West Ham’s Tomas Soucek and captain Vladimir Darida will have to hold the team together in the middle of the park, while Bayer Leverkusen’s Patrik Schick will hope to add to his international record of 10 goals in 24 games.
Another hope in the front of the park is a young budding forward by the name of Adam Hlozek. After earning a joint top goalscorer award in his domestic league, the 18-year-old centre-forward has since been called up to represent the first team. Yet to net his first international goal after two appearances, one being off the bench, you can wait for the line-up and add him as an Anytime Goalscorer at 10/1.
Verdict: Match Bet and Both Teams to Score: Draw & Yes 37/10
This tie is looking to be the ultimate grind for each team. Neither team will want to lose as their next two fixtures are both against tougher opponents. There is a lot on offer with this in mind, and a score draw at 37/10 looks to be top value.
